Kateri Farrell is an emerging flutist, vocalist and songwriter based in Nashville, TN who tours internationally with 8x Grammy winning singer, songwriter and producer Stephen Marley. Her sound can be described as a blend of soul, jazz and r&b with improv as impressive and versatile as it is funky and groove centered. A gentle but powerful presence, Kateri has been recognized for her smoky, lush vocal tone and fresh flute lines that captivate listeners. 

         Music has always been an intrinsic part of Kateri’s life. She started singing in church and playing piano at a young age before her mother, a flute player and music teacher, began giving her flute lessons at age 9. Kateri has been a committed flute player ever since and is dedicated to sharing her passion for what unique sounds the flute is truly capable of offering.

          In college, Kateri studied classical and jazz flute at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire where she regularly was featured on flute and vocals with the jazz program’s top big bands including the Grammy nominated Jazz ensemble I which has also received two Downbeat awards for best undergraduate jazz ensemble. She began experimenting with different genres and regularly performed with several jazz, funk, americana and hip-hop bands throughout her time in college.

          Since her move to Nashville in 2015, Kateri has built a career freelancing as a flute player as well as singing lead and background vocals for numerous local artists doing anything from r&b to salsa to country. In 2017, she began playing with Jason Eskridge (Zac Brown, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Keb Mo’, Robert Glasper..) and has also played regularly with award winning retro-soul artist Lydia Brittan & the Royal Family since 2016.
 
           In 2019, Kateri began performing with her own group and has played at several venues around Nashville including several appearances at Rudy’s Jazz Room. She was also a featured artist for the Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Spotlight Artist Series in June 2023. Her debut single “I Choose You” was released in August 2023 and is a romantic r&b ballad with a 90’s vibe and overall loving message of empowerment through choice. This marks the beginning of several projects the versatile artist has been working on including crafting her first album. Some main influences include Norah Jones, Nancy Wilson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lianne La Havas, Herbie Hancock, Bob Marley and flute greats Rhonda Larson, Bobbi Humphrey, Herbie Mann, Ian Anderson of “Jethro Tull” and Greg Pattillo.

         In Feb 2023, Kateri joined Stephen Marley’s band on flute and tours with his acoustic band internationally. She has been highly acclaimed for what her sound brings to Marley’s set and plans to continue touring/performing with Stephen and his band at iconic venues and festivals including the upcoming 2024 New Orleans Jazzfest.
 
Kateri is endorsed by Jupiter Instruments and plays Azumi and Altus flutes.